It’s not hard to find reasons to see Prague. The buildings are gorgeous. The food is delicious. The city is filled with history. And, with all the activities to engage in, it’s still one of the most affordable cities to visit in Europe. If you’re looking for somewhere new and exciting to go, and the following reasons peak your interest, Prague may be the city for you.

1. Affordability
One of the main factors to take in consideration when traveling is not only the cost of getting to your destination, but the cost of everything you’re going to do while there. Prices for food, drinks, souvenirs and lodging can all be significantly more than what they would cost when you’re home. Prague is known as one of the most affordable capitals in all of Europe, if not the most affordable

2. Activities for children
When traveling there are some areas that are welcoming to children, and some that are definitely not. Prague is a city that’s most definitely welcoming to children. From the Prague Zoo to the Toy Museum, there are many activities that families can partake in that children will adore.

3. Filled with History
From 1948 to 1989 Czechoslovakia was run by Communists. Many rights of the citizens were stripped from them in an attempt to make everyone equal. This even trickled down to all restaurants being forced to serve exactly the same food. While the Czech Republic is no longer a Communist state, there are many artifacts and museums that talk about that time in the country’s history. Even just walking down the streets can give you a glimpse into the history of the city.

4. Delicious Food
As a city that at one point could only serve the exact same food in every establishment, Prague now boasts a wide, eclectic selection of food. With roots coming from German-, Hungarian- and Polish-style foods, the food in Prague has spread its wings and taken creative flight.

5. Beer Capital of the World
While most people think the best place to get beer in Europe is Amsterdam, Prague has been referred to as the beer capital of the world. The beers tend to be light and foamy, and there are multiple beer gardens you can visit in the summer to sample the delicious selection offered. There are even beer spas in Prague, where you can relax in a “hop” sauna if you so choose.

6. Stunning Architecture
Everywhere you look in Prague, there is breathtaking architecture of all different kinds. There are Gothic cathedrals, Romanesque chapels and cellars, Art Nouveau buildings, Baroque palaces and gardens, and more making up the unique appeal of the city.

7. Prague Castle
The fairytale castle most people pictured when growing up was a stunning castle on a tall hill. That castle would be surrounded by gardens or a forest, it would usually overlook a small town at the base of the hill, and in order to get up the hill there would be a winding pathway. If you’re looking for this dream castle in real life you need to visit Prague Castle. You can wander the streets around the castle, take a tour of the different areas or watch the changing of the guard.

8. Astronomical Clock
One of the highlights of Old Town Square is the Astronomical Clock. This 600-year-old clock not only tells the time, but it also let’s viewers know what month it is and the position of the sun and the moon. Even if you don’t need to know any of that information, the clock is remarkably decorated. If you’re lucky enough to be by the clock when the new hour chimes you can see some of those decorations come to life.

9. Saint Charles Bridge
This bridge once was used by pedestrians and horse-drawn vehicles, but is now only for people to cross on. Built in the late 1300’s, this bridge has withstood floods and a war. Now, multiple artists and vendors populate the bridge during the day as tourists take in the beautiful sights.

10. Tower Climbing
One way to completely take in all Prague has to offer, is to climb to the top of a tower and get a bird’s-eye view of the city. There are many different towers, including the Astronomical clock, that sell tickets to people wanting to climb inside.

11. David Cerny’s Sculptures
A city as gorgeous as Prague is bound to be filled with different kinds of art visitors can view. Around the city there are many sculptures by David Černý. While his work can be more provocative or tongue-in-cheek, it is still stunning nonetheless. From giant crawling babies and a giant head to two men urinating, there are many different styles of sculptures you can find.

12. Historic Gardens and Parks
Throughout Prague there are over 200 gardens or parks that visitors can enjoy. Each one has a different style depending on what time period it was built in. The first gardens were made during the Middle ages and were of a monastic style, personal or private gardens weren’t created until the Renaissance.

13. The Vltava River
The Vltava River has been referred to as the soul of the city of Prague. This gentle river goes throughout the city and often has many people on or around it. There are many different kinds of boats on the river and activities around the river depending on what time of year it is. In warmer weather there are farmers markets, and in colder weather an anchored boat becomes a sauna. With at least thirty bridges spanning the water, there are multiple angles you can choose from to try and get the full view of the river.

14. Franz Kafka
The well known German author Franz Kafka was born and grew up in Prague. The city of Prague greatly influenced his work and you can find hints of the city in his writing. The house Kafka grew up in is no longer standing, but his tombstone can be found in the New Jewish Cemetery.

15. Festivals
As most big cities do, Prague has many festivals visitors can attend. During the warmer parts of the year, the river boardwalk area is bursting with activities. There’s always live music playing, floating beer gardens down the Vltava and multiple-food based festivals to be enjoyed. Then, when the weather starts to get colder, there are wine festivals and Christmas markets practically everywhere you go during the holidays.